​​Key Players in The ReformationJohn Calvin​​​If Martin Luther was the heart of the Protestant Reformation, John Calvin was the mind. He is quit arguably the most important Protestant theologian of all time. Calvin was born in 1509 in Noyon in France, so he was still a child when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany, however, Calvin’s influence as a theologian, pastor, statesman, reformer, and teacher are second to none.

At age fourteen, Calvin entered the University of Paris, to study theology and graduated with a master’s degree at the age of 19, and a law degree at the age of 23. It was through his studies of the works of Martin Luther that Calvin was converted, and because of his protestant views, he was forced to flee Paris in 1533. Calvin moved to Switzerland where he penned his theological masterpiece, Institutes of the Christian Religion.

In 1536, Calvin decided to move to Strasbourg, in southwest Germany, to further his studies, but was forced to detour to Geneva, where he planned to spend only one night.​ ​While there, he was recognized as the author of “the Institutes”, and was convinced to stay and lead the newly protestant town. Calvin started out as a lecturer and then as a pastor. All went well, until Calvin instituted church discipline at the Communion table. He refused to serve some he knew were living in open sin and was forced out of the town.

Calvin left for Strasbourg and was convinced by another reformer Martin Bucer, to continue his pastoral ministry there. While in Strasbourg, Calvin wrote what has been hailed as the greatest apologetic for the Reformation, A Reply to Sadoleto. After three years, Calvin was called back to Geneva, a city that had deteriorated politically and religiously since Calvin’s departure. Calvin was a verse-by-verse expositor of the scripture, and on his first Sunday back in the pulpit in Geneva, Calvin picked up right here he left off, on the very next verse following the last one he had covered before being exiled.

Calvin faced many trials while in Geneva. Steve Lawson explains it this way, “He faced the resistance of the Libertines, people within Geneva who were antinomians, living in open sin and immorality. But most demanding by far was the ordeal caused by Michael Servetus in 1553.​ ​This known heretic was burned at the stake by the city fathers after Calvin had been called as an expert witness. In other trials during this time, Calvin’s son, Jacques, died only two weeks after his birth in 1542, and Calvin’s wife, Idelette, died in 1549 after only nine years of marriage.”

However, the Lord brought Calvin through these tribulations and the last 9 years of his ministry were blessed with unity and growth.​ ​Calvin is most remembered as the theologian who picked up the theological mantle of Augustine as one who focused on the Sovereignty of God in all things.

Bill Itzel​​​For more information on the life of John Calvin, I recommend:The Expository Genius of John Calvin: Steven J. Lawson​

As we approach the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, I decided to take a break from exegeting the hymns for a few weeks, so I could focus on some key players in the most momentous event in church history since the Apostles left the scene. Sadly, I have found that very few churches spend much time looking back at the lessons and leaders of the past, and wind up making some of their same mistakes. It is true that if we ignore the lessons of the past, we are doomed to repeat them. So many amazing men and women have stood for truth, battled heresy, spread the gospel, and lost their lives so that we can have the freedom to worship in truth today. Men like Athanasius, Augustine, Chrysostom, Wycliffe, Hus, Tyndale, Luther, Calvin, Knox, Owen, Bunyan, Edwards, Whitfield, Spurgeon, Packer, Sproul, MacArthur, etc. have spent their lives and ministries studying, preserving, and preaching the truth in God’s Word. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

The first leader of the Reformation I want to look at is Martin Luther. Luther as born in 1483 in Eisleben, Saxony. In accordance to the wishes of his father, Luther began to study law, but that was short-lived, for in July of 1505, he experienced the first of several events that changed his life forever. In the middle of a thunderstorm, a lightning bolt struck the ground just yards from where Luther was standing. In fear, he fell to the ground and cried “Save me, St. Anne, and I’ll become a monk!” Making good on his promise, Luther left the study of law and joined the order of St. Augustine.

The second event that changed Luther’s thinking in a dramatic way, took place in Rome. Luther was sent there in 1510 where he witnessed the corruption of the Roman Catholic church in shocking clarity. There, he climbed the “The Holy Stairs” which were said to be the same stairs Jesus climbed when He appeared before Pilate 1500 years earlier. The belief was that God would forgive some of the sins of those who climbed the stairs on their knees. Luther did so, repeating the Lord’s Prayer, kissing each step, and seeking peace with God. But when he reached the top step, he looked back and his thought was, “Who knows whether this is true?”

The third and final experience that led Martin Luther to that fateful day in October 1517 was the arrival of John Tetzel. Tetzel was a corrupt Dominican monk who offered the sale of indulgences. This was the practice where commoners could purchase from the church a letter that allegedly freed a dead loved one from purgatory. This enraged Luther and in an effort to start a conversation on the fraudulent practices of the Roman church, on October 31st, 1517, Luther nailed a copy of 95 grievances, or 95 Thesis to the “Church bulletin board” or castle church door, which was a common practice at the time. The 95 Thesis was not written in the common German language, but in Latin that most people could not read, but some of his students translated, copied, and distributed his writings and the rest, as they say, is history.

Around this time, Luther was obsessed with Romans 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'" Luther said, “… by the mercy of God, meditating day and night, I gave heed to the context of the words, namely, In it the righteousness of God is revealed, as it is written, 'He who through faith is righteous, shall live.’ There I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous lives by a gift of God, namely by faith. And this is the meaning: the righteousness of God is revealed by the gospel, namely, the passive righteousness with which merciful God justifies us by faith, as it is written, 'He who through faith is righteous, shall live.' Here I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates.” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 34, 337)

With this newfound understanding of Sola Fide, or salvation by faith alone and not faith plus works, Luther began to see the Word, AND the church in a new light. He attacked the papal authority itself, for he believed scripture alone (Sola Scriptura) was the final authority for the church. In the summer of 1520, the pope issued a “bull”, or edict, in which forty-one of Luther’s teachings were deemed to be heretical, scandalous, or false. Luther was called to repent and recant his writings at the “Diet of Worms”. His most famous words were spoken in answer to the charges, “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. I cannot do otherwise, here I stand, may God help me, Amen.”​ These words became the “battle cry” of the Reformation and changed the world forever. Martin Luther was a professor, theologian, author, teacher, hymn writer, and preacher. He translated the Bible into German, and today remains the single greatest influence on all of western civilization.

I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're likeBut I've heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of nightAnd you tell me that you're pleasedAnd that I'm never alone

You're a good good fatherIt's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you areAnd I'm loved by youIt's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

I've seen many searching for answers far and wideBut I know we're all searchingFor answers only you provide'Cause you know just what we needBefore we say a word

Because you are perfect in all of your waysYou are perfect in all of your waysYou are perfect in all of your ways to usYou are perfect in all of your waysYou are perfect in all of your waysYou are perfect in all of your ways to us

At first listen to this song, I felt a bit like I was hearing an old record player that was skipping. There is so much repetition, even in weird places like “I, I can hardly speak” that it took a while before I was able to get that out of my mind enough to look at the truths in the song. To be honest, even after we had used this song in worship several times, I was still apathetic at best. The whole song is basically summed up in one truth, “God is a good Father”, and I didn’t think it took 5 minutes to say that.​But one night, I was introduced to this song in a new way. Far removed from the worship stage or the rehearsal time, I was able to see how powerful this song can be in its simplicity. Late one night, I was driving home after an episode of the most tragic of circumstances in our family’s life. I was trying to console a member of our family who had just had his heart ripped from his chest, and nothing I could say would bring any comfort. For 10 minutes, there was nothing to assuage the agony…​ ​until he plugged in his phone, opened the music app, and sang through tears the last song I would have picked…Good Good Father. Over and over again on the hour ride home, I saw this simple truth, in this simple song console and soothe his soul. Then I got it. It’s a pretty melody, and that helps, but it is the straightforward, elementary reassurance that our Father loves us unconditionally that makes this song a healing balm in certain circumstances. Not surprisingly, when I hear this song, it takes me back to that night, ​and that truth…

I've heard a thousand sto​riesof what they think you're like. Everyone has ideas of who God is. But I've heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night. Perhaps a reference to 1 Kings 19 where God spoke to Elijah audibly? Perhaps the writer just thinks of God’s love for him in the midst of trials? And you tell me that you're pleased, and that I'm never alone. When we are serving God, He is pleased with us, and it is true, we are never alone.​ ​You're a good good Father, it’s who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are. And I'm loved by you, it’s who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am. God is a good Father to His children, and we are loved, not because of who we are, but because He chose to love us. There is nothing in us that is deserving of His love.​ ​I've seen many searching for answers far and wide, but I know we're all searching for answers only you provide. Some say, “When there are no other answers, turn to God”. That’s terrible advice. We should be turned to God before the questions are even asked. Why seek anywhere else? It’s when we seek other places for answers that we are let down. God provides all we need in His Word, and we should be enveloped in it daily.​ '​Cause you know just what we need, before we say a word. One of the great things about serving a sovereign God is that He not only knows what we need before we ask, He knew what we would need before day one of creation.​ ​You are perfect in all of your ways to us. Some have take exception to the vagueness of the “to us” as it could mean several things, but I think it’s clear the writer means “in His dealings with us”, God is perfect. Romans 8 says He works all things together for His children (Those whom He loves and are called according to His purpose).​ ​Oh, it's love so undeniable I, I can hardly speak. Peace so unexplainable I, I can hardly think. This verse speaks of being overwhelmed by God’s love and the peace He brings. ​​As you call me deeper still into love. The more we go through these heart-wrenching circumstances in life, the more we find His love is faithful. The goal is that each time a new trial comes, we’ll be more and more prepared to trust in His love and obey His direction.

He's coming on the clouds, kings and kingdoms will bow downAnd every chain will break, as broken hearts declare His praiseWho can stop the Lord Almighty?

Our God is the Lion, the Lion of JudahHe's roaring with power and fighting our battlesAnd every knee will bow before HimOur God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slainFor the sin of the world, His blood breaks the chainsAnd every knee will bow before the Lion and the LambOh every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

So open up the gates, make way before the King of kingsOur God who comes to save is here to set the captives freeFor who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Who can stop the Lord Almighty?Who can stop the Lord Almighty?Who can stop the Lord Almighty?Who can stop the Lord Almighty?

This is very solid song from the top 100 that we love to sing at Mount Airy. It aptly describes the fact that Jesus is described as both a Lion and a Lamb. He's coming on the clouds, kings and kingdoms will bow down. It’s interesting that the song actually starts at the end of the story, instead of the beginning. One day, when this world reaches the apex of its sin and wickedness at the end of the Great Tribulation, Jesus will split the skies and return in power and judgment. Revelation 19 describes it this way, “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The One sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems, and He has a name written that no one knows but Himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the wine-press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh, He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” This is a far cry from the Son of Man we see hanging on the cross, like a lamb, taking away the sin of the world. The next time He comes, it will be to rule and reign as a Lion.

And every chain will break, as broken hearts declare His praise. Who can stop the Lord Almighty? When I think of breaking chains, I think of sin that binds us. We know, as Christians that we don’t have to wait for the Lord’s return to be free from the penalty and power of sin. We have that now through the shed blood of Christ. However, when He comes to set up His kingdom and rules and reigns physically here on the earth, He will bind Satan so that the wicked one will have no power over the world’s systems.

Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah. He’s roaring with power and fighting our battles, and every knee will bow before Him. Philippians 2 says, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus is LORD and every knee will bow before Him because He is Lord. Too many times, we speak of “making Jesus Lord”, when in reality, He IS Lord, we can either choose to recognize it or not. One day, everyone will recognize it because every knee will bow to Him. I am so glad that Jesus fights my battles. In my power, I have nothing, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain for the sin of the world, His blood breaks the chains, and every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb. Jesus was predestined to go to the cross from before the foundation of the world. He atoned for our sins on the cross so that we would not have to ever pay for them ourselves. The work was done… It is finished! He defeated sin and death and when we call on the name of the Lord to be saved, those chains of sin fall off and we serve Him in freedom.

The song takes an evangelistic turn here in the second verse. So open up the gates, make way before the King of kings. Our God who comes to save is here to set the captives free. Obviously, this is not speaking of the physical return of Christ, since He has not yet physically returned. God does set captives to sin free even today. There are people who are saved and added to the Kingdom daily. It is such a thrill to see someone repent of their sin and trust in Christ. We rejoice when we see someone give their testimony and be baptized as a sign of what God has done.​Who can stop the Lord Almighty? The bridge is simple and a bit repetitive and doesn’t add anything new to the song, other than the chance for the band to build musically, but this does not take away from the wonderful message of this song that shows both sides of the second person of the Trinity, the Lion… AND the Lamb.

1. TOTAL DEPRAVITY: All men are as bad and wicked as they can possibly be. Everyone acts like Charles Manson.

2. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION: God sits up in heaven and decides..."You go to heaven...you go to hell", and God would deny entrance to heaven to someone who wants to go there if they are not elect.

3. LIMITED ATONEMENT: God shows no love or grace to those who will never be saved or that Jesus only had enough power to save some.

4. IRRESISTABLE GRACE: God forces people against their will to choose him, and people never have to make a willful decision for Christ. Also, God will save whom He will save, so we need to ignore the commands to evangelize.

5. PERSEVERENCE OF THE SAINTS: If you ever walked an aisle, said a prayer, made a decision, even if there is no change or you have no fruit in your life, you are definitely saved. Plus, since you can't lose your salvation, you can live however you want.

These are straw man arguments used to debate those who hold to the doctrines of grace...straw man because only a few fringe false teachers hold to some of these views, certainly no Calvinist of note believes these...

I once was lost in darkest nightYet thought I knew the wayThe sin that promised joy and lifeHad led me to the graveI had no hope that You would ownA rebel to Your willAnd if You had not loved me firstI would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound raceIndifferent to the costYou looked upon my helpless stateAnd led me to the crossAnd I beheld God’s love displayedYou suffered in my placeYou bore the wrath reserved for meNow all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is ChristHallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours aloneAnd live so all might seeThe strength to follow Your commandsCould never come from meOh Father, use my ransomed lifeIn any way You chooseAnd let my song forever beMy only boast is You

I am so excited, not only to be “exegeting” this song, but to be introducing it to our congregation soon. The Itzels recorded this song back in 2015 and without a doubt, THIS IS MY FAVORITE WORSHIP SONG! No song I’ve ever heard captures my lost state and God’s sovereign grace in saving me like this one.

I once was lost in darkest night, yet thought I knew the way. How apt a description of a “Romans 1” sinner. Blind, lost, dead and yet, we think we are just fine. Without the conviction of the Holy Spirit, we aren’t even aware of our sin, of the pending just wrath headed our way. Just stand on a street corner one day, and realize that most of the people you see going about their business have no clue about their condition. The sin that promised joy and life had led me to the grave. The world says, “live for today’s happiness, eat, drink, and be merry”, when in reality that broad path leads to hell and death. I had no hope that You would own a rebel to Your will. The old hymn by Isaac Watts “How Sweet and Aweful is the Place” says “While all our hearts and all our songs join to admire the feast, each of us cries with thankful tongues, ‘Lord, why was I a guest?’” Jesus bought us out of the slave market of sin with His blood when we were still in rebellion to Him, and He now owns us. We serve Him.

And if You had not loved me first, I would refuse You still. Romans 3 tells us that there are none that seek after God. A person dead in their trespasses and sins will not, can not call out to God unless God moves in their heart and changes their will that is in bondage to sin. John 6 says that “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him”. We love Him because He first loved us, not the other way around. He doesn’t wait for a dead, depraved person to show love before He shows love to us. Without God’s calling, we would continue to refuse Him in our sin.

But as I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cost, You looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross. Those people we see on the streets, going through their lives unaware of their condition…that was us. We were hurling, at a break-neck pace toward the hell we so deserved, but God poured out His love to to His enemies and drew us to the cross. And I beheld God’s love displayed You suffered in my place. When God calls us, He opens our eyes, makes the dead alive, and we see our need for Him and the atonement He provides. You bore the wrath reserved for me, now all I know is grace. Jesus stood in the way (interposed) of God’s wrath that was justly aimed at us, and bore it all for us. Now we walk in that state of grace.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ, Hallelujah! Jesus is my life. I believe all good choruses of songs should be the heart’s response to the doctrine taught in the verses. When we see, so vividly pictured in these verses, what Jesus did for us and rescued us from, our only response can be “All I have is Christ” and “Jesus is my life”. Everything in our life should pale in comparison to serving Him. When Jesus saved us from ourselves, our sin, Hell’s flames, and God’s wrath, how important is spending all of our time on this earth focusing on football or the latest gossip on movie actors, really? Jesus should be our life!

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone, and live so all might see the strength to follow Your commands could never come from me. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And that (the salvation, the grace AND the faith) is not yourselves; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Not only does the ability to call on the name of Christ come from outside of ourselves, but even the ability to follow God’s commands as a believer can not be achieved in our strength alone. Our prayer should be “Lord, I want to be Yours alone”. Oh Father, use my ransomed life in any way You choose, and let my song forever be “My only boast is You”. We should be praying every day that God would use us for His glory alone. Soli Deo Gloria! (To the glory of God alone).

Great is Thy faithfulnessGreat is Thy faithfulnessMorning by morningNew mercies I seeAll I have neededThy hand hath providedGreat is Thy faithfulnessLord unto me

Summer and winterAnd springtime and harvestSun moon and starsIn their courses aboveJoin with all natureIn manifold witnessTo Thy great faithfulnessMercy and love

Pardon for sin​And a peace that endurethThine own dear presenceTo cheer and to guideStrength for todayAnd bright hope for tomorrowBlessings all mineWith ten thousand beside

When I was going through preparation for my spinal surgery back in February of 2016, this was the one hymn, above every hymn ever written in all of the church age that was in my mind day and night. At the time, I didn’t know if I would sing again. The surgeon was going to cut into my throat right next to my vocal chords. I know another, very similar singer, who had this exact surgery and lost a great amount of His range. Our cases were very similar, so what would keep our results from also being the same? That’s the question I kept asking over and over in my head, but then I’d go back to this song and remember God’s sovereignty and God’s providential plan and that, above all brought peace.

Great is Thy faithfulness O God my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. God has had a plan for this world as a whole and also for every single detail. Not even a sparrow falls without Him. Note, it doesn’t say without His knowledge, it says without Him, or in the HCSB version, “without His consent”. God isn’t sitting up in heaven waiting for His angels to bring Him news of the days events. He isn’t even looking down to see what happens. He knows and either determines or allows (gives consent) for everything that transpires in His universe before it happens. He has always known, even before He created this world. In God’s providence, He has made promises to His people and God is faithful. He never turns away or backs down from a promise.

Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not. As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. One of the attributes of God is His immutability. That is defined as an attribute that God is unchanging in his character, will, and covenant promises. The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that "[God] is a spirit, whose being, wisdom power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth are infinite, eternal, and unchangeable." Those things do not change. God’s love and compassion for His children never changes. Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see. Another favorite hymn said “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before”. Every day we spend in the Word and in prayer (communicating with God), we learn more about Him and see for ourselves His faithfulness on display. Every day we need new mercies because every day we fail Him, but even when we are faithless, He remains faithful. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me. We pray “give us this day, our daily bread” and God provides us so much more every day. He meets our needs, both physical and spiritual.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest. Sun moon and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness mercy and love. When we recorded this song back in 2011, we didn’t do this verse, but it is worth remembering that God’s faithfulness is shown in much more than our checkbooks, jobs, health, and families. The fact that the earth keeps spinning, the sun keeps giving us warmth and light, the plants keep giving us oxygen to breathe should be call for our gratitude. The heavens do declare the glory of God.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth. Of all the blessings I have, for this I am most thankful. Without pardon for sin, I truly would be living my best life now instead of in eternity. Because of that pardon, every other blessing is icing on the cake. My eternity is secure and I can enjoy a life of serving Him. Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide. The presence of God brings joy as well as direction. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. I can’t tell you what it meant to sing that phrase over and over again in my mind, on the way to the hospital that cold, early morning in February. I prayed for God’s will to be done, but that if He wanted to keep using my voice for His Kingdom, He’d need to give me strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow! And He did. It would have been okay if He didn’t, but He did, so my goal is to be faithful to the time He has given me and use wisely the Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!

In days of peace and days of restIn times of loss and lonelinessThough rich or poor Your word is trueThat all my ways are known to You

No trial has come beyond Your handNo step I walk beyond Your planThe path is dark outside my viewStill all my ways are known to You

And O what peace that I have foundWherever I may beFor all my ways are known to YouHallelujah they are known to You

I do not fear the final nightFor death will be the door to lifeYou take my hand and lead me throughFor all my ways are known to You

Open up my eyes so I may seeThat You have made these ways for meOpen up my eyes so I may seeThat You my God will walk with me

If there was one worship CD that I would recommend to our congregation, it would be CityAlight’s “Only A Holy God”. This is one of my favorite new bands, and they hail from Australia. I love their harmonies as much as their lyrics, and that is saying something. I already “exegeted” one of their songs “Saved My Soul”, and this is the next one we have sung at the church, and will sing for many years to come.

As a songwriter myself, I appreciate when a song takes one main theme and really fleshes it out. A lot of modern worship songs aren’t written by really skilled writers and their songs tend to flop all over the theological map, usually hitting a bunch of cliche’s that don’t go very deep in their explanation of Biblical truth. Here, the truth is that God is right beside us and knows our every thought, word, and action. That can be comforting as well as convicting.

In days of peace and days of rest, In times of loss and loneliness, Though rich or poor Your word is true, That all my ways are known to You. Sometimes, we find ourselves on the mountaintop and sometimes in the valley. Some days, everything goes right, we are surrounded by God’s people and are so filled with the Spirit, we’ll do anything God calls us to do without hesitation. Then there are those days where we are alone (even though we may be surrounded by people), times when we are grieving loss in our hearts so deep that we can’t even share it with anyone. In both of these times, God is there and is more than just a friend to put His arm around us, but knows every pain, every thought we think, every tear we shed. He never leaves. He never stops loving.

No trial has come beyond Your hand. Trials, although they hurt, are actually a gift from God, a perfect gift, because they work to perfect us and make us like Christ. No trial is bigger than God, and while they may be bigger than us, they are never more than we can handle through His strength. No step I walk beyond Your plan. God will give us freedom in our will up to a certain extent, but He will never let His children fall totally or finally. Every step we take, He knows, and while He may let us stumble at times, He is there to forgive us and pick us up and get us right back on the path. Sometimes we stumble because the path is too dark for us to see, but that is when we need to hold His hand the most… The path is dark outside my view, Still all my ways are known to You.

And O what peace that I have found, Wherever I may be, For all my ways are known to You, Hallelujah they are known to You. There is a real comfort in knowing that God sees everything. Everyday, He protects us from things we don’t even know were dangers.

I do not fear the final night, For death will be the door to life. Psalms says, “The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord”. That means every single step until we get home. Death can be frightening because it is the ultimate unknown experience. Regardless of what some kid in a popular “Christian” book says, death is new to all of us. We’ve seen it happen to others, but we have never stood before the very throne of God. Unknown is scary, but even in that, a believer can have peace because we know that (as another of my favorite songs says), “It is not death to die”. We are never alone, even in our death because… You take my hand and lead me through For all my ways are known to You.

Open up my eyes so I may see, That You have made these ways for me, Open up my eyes so I may see, That You my God will walk with me. The lyrics close with a bridge that is a prayer that God’s Spirit will bear witness to our spirits that He is there every step of the way. We know that truth with our minds, but sometimes God does little things that just confirm His presence in our hearts and give us peace.

This is Amazing Gracew/m Phil Wickham, Jeremy Riddle, Josh FarroWho breaks the power of sin and darkness?Whose love is mighty and so much stronger?The King of Glory the King above all kingsWho shakes the whole earth with holy thunder?Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder?The King of Glory the King above all kingsThis is amazing graceThis is unfailing loveThat You would take my placeThat You would bear my crossYou laid down Your lifeThat I would be set freeOh Jesus I sing for all that You've done for meWho brings our chaos back into order?Who makes the orphan a son and daughter?The King of Glory the King of GloryWho rules the nations with truth and justice?Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance?The King of Glory the King above all kingsWorthy is the Lamb who was slainWorthy is the King who conquered the graveThis was a very popular song a few years ago and topped the list of most downloaded praise choruses for a long time. That’s enough to get me to give the song a look, and I really love the lyrics on this radio song because they speak with a high view of God, His power, His works, and His greatness. So many songs on Christian radio these days are so man-centered, and yet this one breaks that mold and never takes its eyes off of God (Well, only once)… a great characteristic in a worship song.The verses speak in question form, much like another of my favorite songs, “Behold Our God”, but that’s for another day. Who breaks the power of sin and darkness? Sin’s chains are strong. No mortal man is able to break them or even desire to do so without the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus conquered the grave, He defeated sin and death. Whose love is mighty and so much stronger? God’s love is not a fleeting emotional love, but a decision by the Creator to pour out His grace and mercy and blessing on a people that were His enemies… that’s a mighty and strong love that will never fail. Then the verse answers the question: The King of Glory the King above all kings! Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder? The Creator God sustains and controls absolutely everything in His providence. Nothing in nature is outside of God’s control. Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder? This one line is a bit more subjective than the others, and leaves the formula of focusing on God’s wonders, and looks at our feelings and reactions. Actually, the world could answer this question with any number of magicians, musicians, stuntmen, actors, etc. so I’m not a huge fan of judging the amazing worth of God by how I feel about Him or how He makes me feel. However, we are in awe and wonder of the works of Yahweh, much more than anything man could ever do, so I can still sing this line without overthinking it every time.This is amazing grace, This is unfailing love. The song gets back on track by looking at the work of God in sending His son, Jesus to die in our place… the ultimate act of grace and love. That You would take my place, That You would bear my cross, You laid down Your life, That I would be set free. Many complain that God wouldn't send some people to hell because it isn’t fair to save some and not everybody. What isn’t fair is that God would save any of us. I heard someone say, “we deserved to be on that cross”. I say, no way. If we hung on that cross, we wouldn’t have even started to pay for our sins and get what we deserve. We deserve so much more than the cross… we deserve hell, being punished for an eternity. Jesus could pay for the sins on the cross because He was God. He could take the place of every sin of every one who would ever come to repentance in just a few hours, while it would take us an eternity. Thank God, He took our place, laying down His life, so that we would be set free. Oh Jesus I sing for all that You've done for me.Who brings our chaos back into order? When we are born, we are dead in our trespasses and sins. That is called total depravity and speaks to the fact that our minds, bodies, emotions, and will are all bent away from God. We are cursed by that sin nature and only God can restore us, bending our will back to a place where we will choose God. Who makes the orphan a son and daughter? We are not only bond-slaves of Christ, but He actually adopts us into His family and we become His children! Who rules the nations with truth and justice? This speaks in the present tense and God certainly rules over all the affairs of men. Nothing happens politically that He does not determine or allow to happen, however, this also speaks to a time when Christ will physically rule all the nations in a future earthly kingdom, and one day, in the new heavens and new earth, there will be no need for the sun because Jesus will be there… Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance?The final lyrics are the bridge that repeat the phrase, Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Worthy is the King who conquered the grave. The Lamb is also the King. The first time He came, it was to die in our place, but the next time He comes, it will be to reign in power forever, and as His children, we will rule and reign with Him!

Chain Breakerw/m Jonathan Lindley Smith / Mia Fieldes / Zach WilliamsIf you’ve been walking the same old road for miles and milesIf you’ve been hearing the same old voice tell the same old liesIf you’re trying to fill the same old holes insideThere’s a better life, There’s a better life

If you’ve got pain, He’s a pain-takerIf you feel lost, He’s a way-makerIf you need freedom or savingHe’s a prison-shaking SaviorIf you’ve got chains, He’s a chain breakerWe’ve all searched for the light of day in the dead of nightWe’ve all found ourselves worn out from the same old fightWe’ve all run to things we know just ain’t rightBut there’s a better life, There’s a better lifeIf you believe itIf you receive itIf you can feel itSomebody testifyI must admit, this is a song that surprised me. I heard the song when it first came out and enjoyed the “southern rock” style and catchy melody, but for months, never gave it much of a thought as a congregational song. Then, in an attempt to include more top 10 songs in our repertoire, I saw this song sitting in the top 3 and figured it would be worth giving it a shot. I had low expectations, but when the band started playing in practice, and the singers started singing, it really clicked. It also connected with the congregation, and now is one of our favorite new songs in the set lists.One of the most popular themes of today’s Christian songs is the life-changing work of God in our lives. Every true believer connects with that message because we all have sinned against God so grievously, and been saved from so much that it generates a strong desire to worship and glorify our merciful God. The song is simple, but so often are our feeble prayers of gratitude for God’s goodness.If you’ve been walking the same old road for miles and miles, If you’ve been hearing the same old voice tell the same old lies. These lines remind me of Psalm 1 and the man who walks in the counsel of the ungodly, stands in the way of sinners, and sits in the seat of the scoffers. Before we are saved, we are children of the devil who listen to all kinds of lies from the evil one. Over and over, we listen to and follow bad advice that only leads us to despair. If you’re trying to fill the same old holes inside, there’s a better life, There’s a better life. As an unbeliever, there is an emptiness that the world’s “solutions” cannot fill, but when we find the Way, Truth and Life, everything changes.If you’ve got pain, He’s a pain-taker. Only a Christian knows what it means to “Cast our cares on Him because He cares for us”. That is a joy the unbelieving world cannot experience. We will go through pain, but that pain makes us more like Christ and therefore, is for our good. We can have peace through the pain because we know and serve the “Pain-taker”. If you feel lost, He’s a way-maker. The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord. Through His Word, He leads us as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. If you need freedom or saving, He’s a prison-shaking Savior. If you’ve got chains, He’s a chain breaker. This is speaking to the lost and tells of the state they are in. The unsaved are bound by chains, they are not free (their will is cursed and bent away from God), they need saving because they are in the prison of sin. Only Jesus can set a person free from this bondage.We’ve all searched for the light of day in the dead of night. Even the lost scrounge around in the darkness trying to find “enlightenment”, but as Roman 1 makes clear, they wind up serving the creature rather than the creator. This is why there are so many false religions out there. This is why so many serve themselves and deny God. We’ve all found ourselves worn out from the same old fight. While the first line seems to be speaking to unbelievers, this line, seems to be speaking to believers who are tired from the spiritual battle we engage in everyday that can wear us out from time to time. We’ve all run to things we know just ain’t right, but there’s a better life, There’s a better life. Both believers and unbelievers can relate to this line as we all make decisions that are led by the flesh, but only when we are filled (controlled) by the spirit will we do what’s right.If you believe it, If you receive it, If you can feel it, Somebody testify. The final lines I want to look at are the lines in the bridge. The first two are objective. Faith is a gift of God. We believe, and we receive grace from God and that is something to testify to in our words and actions (Romans 10:9-10). My only problem is the line “If you can feel it”. Yes, there will be feelings that accompany our walk with the Lord, but those feelings aren’t always there. We don’t want to be faithful and give testimony to the work of the Lord only when we “feel it”. God is worthy of our praise on the mountains AND in the valleys. Granted, when we are “feeling it”, it is easier to testify of God’s work in our lives, so we should never miss that opportunity!

Author

Bill Itzel has been a worship leader and singer/songwriter for almost 30 years and is based in Westminster, MD. His family tours and leads worship, not only in their home church (Mt. Airy Bible Church), but around the country. This is a blog about congregational worship and the latest news in the The Itzel's ministry.